GILGIT: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing detained a suspect allegedly involved in the illegal sale of international SIMs as a nationwide crackdown against elements involved in the buying and selling of such SIMs is continuing.
A spokesman for the FIA said that a suspect involved in selling illegal international SIMs was arrested during a targeted raid in Danyore, Gilgit. The spokesperson said the raid was carried out along with a team from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, said the spokesman.
The suspect was identified as Qaim Ali. The spokesperson said that the arrested suspect was buying and selling international SIMs through social media, as international numbers were used in illegal activities.
The SIMs were being used in blackmail, extortion, fraud, fake schemes and online financial fraud, said the spokesman, adding that as many as six illegal SIMs and mobile phones were recovered from the arrested suspect.
“The crackdown against those facilitating unlawful activities through international SIMs will continue,” an FIA spokesperson said, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to curbing cyber-related crimes.
According to the spokesman, the FIA has initiated a thorough investigation to dismantle the broader network facilitating the illegal distribution of foreign SIM cards.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for PTA said the operation was part of PTA’s ongoing commitment to curbing unauthorized SIM sales, which pose significant security risks.
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The PTA spokesperson urged the public to report any such illegal activities to help maintain a secure and regulated digital environment. “These actions underscore the Authority’s dedication to ensuring compliance with telecom regulations and protecting consumers from potential misuse of illegally obtained SIM cards,” the spokesperson added.